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Thursday, May 17, 2012
BOSTON RED SOX POSTGAME ALERT May 17, 2012
Seasonal Savings at Walmart
Was: $99.00
Now: $75.00
Wedgewood Cushion Chaise Lounge
Was: $129.00
Now: $119.00
Better Homes and Gardens Paxton Place Outdoor Chaise Lounge
Was: $248.00
Now: $198.00
Mainstays Wentworth 3-Piece Balcony Bistro Set, Seats 2
Was: $699.00
Now: $599.00
Ragan Meadow 7-Piece Sectional Sofa Set
Was: $549.00
Now: $499.00
Providence 7-Piece Patio Dining Set, Green, Seats 6
Was: $398.00
Now: $298.00
Mainstays Rockview Patio Dining Set, Off White, Seats 6
Enjoy the Great Outdoors with Rollbacks from Walmart.com!
Save Big on Patio & Garden Needs at Walmart.com!
Free Shipping to Your Store on Eligible Outdoor Patio & Garden Items at Walmart.com!
NH WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – May 17, 2012
Stocking report: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/Stocking/current.html
FREE FISHING DAY is June 2, 2012: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/free_fishing_day_041712.html
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
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><> Lakes Region
After a pleasant, sunny weekend the Lakes Region plunged back into a prolonged rain event! The Lake Winnipesaukee lake level is now over full pool, and there are currently increased flows at the Lakeport and Lochmere dams on Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam, respectively. These flows have really brought the white perch into the Winnipesaukee River on Lake Winnisquam. I wouldn’t be surprised to also see some rainbows moving into the river too. On May 10, fisheries biologists Matt Carpenter and Ben Nugent transferred approximately 2000 river herring (alewives) into the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia. These alewives were trucked form our seacoast Cocheco River in Fish and Game’s “shad truck.” It is hoped that this re-introduction of alewives into Lake Winnisquam will help increase the returns of herring to the Merrimack River, and provide forage for bass and rainbow trout in Winnisquam.
May 15 was the start of the catch and release season for bass, and will continue through June 15. John Viar and I recently tried to obtain a sample of largemouth bass from nearby Wicwas Lake, and were very surprised to see the lack of nesting bass along the shoreline. Water temperature was 58 degrees, but a cold front that pushed through the area after the last bout of rain evidently has delayed nesting activity in the area. Generally, bass are well on their beds at this time.
Small brooks and streams have great flows now, and stocking has occurred on just about every water managed for trout. The larger rivers, like the Pemigewasset for instance, will need to drop a bit to fishable levels; this will happen quickly with a forecast of better weather for the next several days.
I had a chance to fish a local fly-fishing-only pond and had a great time with some great looking brook trout. Brisk winds and early morning temps in the 30s kept fly hatches to a minimum, but one sheltered corner of the pond produced a hatch of blue-winged olive mayflies that turned the trout on for a period of time. Again, small midges were present and the occasional trout would sip them off the surface, but these trout were hard to pattern with our offerings.
Look for plenty of anglers this weekend as the 30th annual Winni Derby is held on Lake Winnipesaukee, May 18-20. Water temps are good for the salmon bite, and the weather looks promising. Good luck to all the anglers, young and older, enjoy the time on the water! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This has been a spring of frustrating outboard motor repairs for me that has kept me from my traditional early season bass fishing. Last weekend I found myself waiting for parts in the mail and itching to get out and do some fishing. I decided to do something that I haven’t done since I was a kid fishing with my friend and his father up in Berlin, in the area referred to as Kilkenny on the Upper Ammonusuc River: what we called “brook fishing.”
I decided to fish close to home in the area of Hancock, where there are plenty of streams to choose from. I grabbed an old rod that didn’t matter if it got banged around sneaking through the brush, some worm hooks, small split shot, worms, knee boots, my lab Drake, and off we went with minimal preparation and little gear.
I started fishing at a stream crossing and worked my way downstream. It didn’t take long for me to start catching wild brook trout from three to six inches long. Eventually the stream brought me to some beaver flowages that intercepted another stream. I worked my way upstream of the next stream, finding places where I could fish the small beaver ponds. There were a lot of trout, most were too small for me to hook, but I did catch several. The best part of my day was catching a beautiful and very healthy tiger trout, a first for me. This just goes to show that you don’t need a boat or fancy gear to get out and enjoy the fishing opportunities that we have here in the Granite State. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
An argument can be made that this time of year is the busiest time for shoreline fish activity. The water temperatures of our lakes and ponds in southeastern New Hampshire have reached the mid-60s this week and will likely climb given the warm weather forecasted for the weekend. A recent boat electrofishing survey showed several different fish species utilizing shoreline habitat features for spawning, while others used the same features as ambush points to capitalize on this vulnerable stage to feed.
The haphazard progression from late winter to spring to early summer, back to early spring, and then back to early summer conditions observed this year have seemed to alter some normal spawning calendars and now have caused several different species to flood the shorelines at the same time. For sunfish species like bluegills, pumpkinseeds, and red-breasted sunfish, spawning activity is well underway and visible by their colony nests providing a contrasting white color to the normally dark shallows. The males of these species go to extensive efforts to clear off proportionally large areas free of detritus, leaving a circular nest that appeal to a female.
At this same time, largemouth bass seem to use somewhat less visible nesting sites with minimal to moderate detritus removal occurring, while taking advantage of protective features offered by shorelines. It is not uncommon for male largemouth bass to stake all their hopes in spawning in close proximity to or within fallen trees and their branches, beaver caches, dense emerging aquatic vegetation and manmade structures. During a typical year, yellow perch spawning is all said and done by now, but variations in weather patterns this year has stalled some from returning back to moderate depths. The key to finding large schools of yellow perch is dense vegetation or a freshly fallen tree where most of its branches are still present. The habitat complexities offered by these two components are very appealing to this species. These same areas are often utilized by black crappie for a staging ground before spawning. During our recent survey, we found large schools of black crappie
of various sizes. In other locations, which is normally observed in June, we found smaller groups of males or solitary male black crappie holding their ground, presumably already protecting fertilized eggs. These nests tend to be along shallow point extensions and less visible or contrasting to the natural lake bottom. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This year is going to be one for the record books. So far the river herring run in the Lamprey River has surpassed the highest recorded yearly returns since the fish ladder was constructed to allow for passage of anadromous fish. It is looking like this may be a great year for striped bass fishing as well. We are already seeing them in good numbers up in the rivers at the heads-of-tide where they are gorging themselves on the bountiful herring. So far anglers have been having luck with live herring and lures such as poppers, just remember that Wednesdays are closed to the taking of river herring everywhere and the Squamscott River has special rules for river herring (http://www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/saltwater/special-river-restrictions). There are a number of good fishing spots to catch striped bass this time of year; a boardwalk in downtown Exeter right next to the Philips Exeter boat house is a prime location. This is at the head-of-tide just below where
river herring pool up below the dam and it is an excellent spot to spend a tide fishing. Other spots include the river bank in downtown Newmarket, just behind the mill buildings; and Henry Law Park in Dover. For those of you without a boat, this is the most productive time of year for striper fishing, before they move seaward. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
><> North Country
No report this week.
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FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
FREE FISHING DAY is June 2, 2012: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/free_fishing_day_041712.html
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
><> Lakes Region
After a pleasant, sunny weekend the Lakes Region plunged back into a prolonged rain event! The Lake Winnipesaukee lake level is now over full pool, and there are currently increased flows at the Lakeport and Lochmere dams on Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam, respectively. These flows have really brought the white perch into the Winnipesaukee River on Lake Winnisquam. I wouldn’t be surprised to also see some rainbows moving into the river too. On May 10, fisheries biologists Matt Carpenter and Ben Nugent transferred approximately 2000 river herring (alewives) into the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia. These alewives were trucked form our seacoast Cocheco River in Fish and Game’s “shad truck.” It is hoped that this re-introduction of alewives into Lake Winnisquam will help increase the returns of herring to the Merrimack River, and provide forage for bass and rainbow trout in Winnisquam.
May 15 was the start of the catch and release season for bass, and will continue through June 15. John Viar and I recently tried to obtain a sample of largemouth bass from nearby Wicwas Lake, and were very surprised to see the lack of nesting bass along the shoreline. Water temperature was 58 degrees, but a cold front that pushed through the area after the last bout of rain evidently has delayed nesting activity in the area. Generally, bass are well on their beds at this time.
Small brooks and streams have great flows now, and stocking has occurred on just about every water managed for trout. The larger rivers, like the Pemigewasset for instance, will need to drop a bit to fishable levels; this will happen quickly with a forecast of better weather for the next several days.
I had a chance to fish a local fly-fishing-only pond and had a great time with some great looking brook trout. Brisk winds and early morning temps in the 30s kept fly hatches to a minimum, but one sheltered corner of the pond produced a hatch of blue-winged olive mayflies that turned the trout on for a period of time. Again, small midges were present and the occasional trout would sip them off the surface, but these trout were hard to pattern with our offerings.
Look for plenty of anglers this weekend as the 30th annual Winni Derby is held on Lake Winnipesaukee, May 18-20. Water temps are good for the salmon bite, and the weather looks promising. Good luck to all the anglers, young and older, enjoy the time on the water! – Don Miller, Fisheries Biologist
><> Monadnock/Upper Valley
This has been a spring of frustrating outboard motor repairs for me that has kept me from my traditional early season bass fishing. Last weekend I found myself waiting for parts in the mail and itching to get out and do some fishing. I decided to do something that I haven’t done since I was a kid fishing with my friend and his father up in Berlin, in the area referred to as Kilkenny on the Upper Ammonusuc River: what we called “brook fishing.”
I decided to fish close to home in the area of Hancock, where there are plenty of streams to choose from. I grabbed an old rod that didn’t matter if it got banged around sneaking through the brush, some worm hooks, small split shot, worms, knee boots, my lab Drake, and off we went with minimal preparation and little gear.
I started fishing at a stream crossing and worked my way downstream. It didn’t take long for me to start catching wild brook trout from three to six inches long. Eventually the stream brought me to some beaver flowages that intercepted another stream. I worked my way upstream of the next stream, finding places where I could fish the small beaver ponds. There were a lot of trout, most were too small for me to hook, but I did catch several. The best part of my day was catching a beautiful and very healthy tiger trout, a first for me. This just goes to show that you don’t need a boat or fancy gear to get out and enjoy the fishing opportunities that we have here in the Granite State. – Jason Carrier, Fisheries Biologist
><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley
An argument can be made that this time of year is the busiest time for shoreline fish activity. The water temperatures of our lakes and ponds in southeastern New Hampshire have reached the mid-60s this week and will likely climb given the warm weather forecasted for the weekend. A recent boat electrofishing survey showed several different fish species utilizing shoreline habitat features for spawning, while others used the same features as ambush points to capitalize on this vulnerable stage to feed.
The haphazard progression from late winter to spring to early summer, back to early spring, and then back to early summer conditions observed this year have seemed to alter some normal spawning calendars and now have caused several different species to flood the shorelines at the same time. For sunfish species like bluegills, pumpkinseeds, and red-breasted sunfish, spawning activity is well underway and visible by their colony nests providing a contrasting white color to the normally dark shallows. The males of these species go to extensive efforts to clear off proportionally large areas free of detritus, leaving a circular nest that appeal to a female.
At this same time, largemouth bass seem to use somewhat less visible nesting sites with minimal to moderate detritus removal occurring, while taking advantage of protective features offered by shorelines. It is not uncommon for male largemouth bass to stake all their hopes in spawning in close proximity to or within fallen trees and their branches, beaver caches, dense emerging aquatic vegetation and manmade structures. During a typical year, yellow perch spawning is all said and done by now, but variations in weather patterns this year has stalled some from returning back to moderate depths. The key to finding large schools of yellow perch is dense vegetation or a freshly fallen tree where most of its branches are still present. The habitat complexities offered by these two components are very appealing to this species. These same areas are often utilized by black crappie for a staging ground before spawning. During our recent survey, we found large schools of black crappie
of various sizes. In other locations, which is normally observed in June, we found smaller groups of males or solitary male black crappie holding their ground, presumably already protecting fertilized eggs. These nests tend to be along shallow point extensions and less visible or contrasting to the natural lake bottom. – Ben Nugent, Fisheries Biologist
><> Seacoast Area
This year is going to be one for the record books. So far the river herring run in the Lamprey River has surpassed the highest recorded yearly returns since the fish ladder was constructed to allow for passage of anadromous fish. It is looking like this may be a great year for striped bass fishing as well. We are already seeing them in good numbers up in the rivers at the heads-of-tide where they are gorging themselves on the bountiful herring. So far anglers have been having luck with live herring and lures such as poppers, just remember that Wednesdays are closed to the taking of river herring everywhere and the Squamscott River has special rules for river herring (http://www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/saltwater/special-river-restrictions). There are a number of good fishing spots to catch striped bass this time of year; a boardwalk in downtown Exeter right next to the Philips Exeter boat house is a prime location. This is at the head-of-tide just below where
river herring pool up below the dam and it is an excellent spot to spend a tide fishing. Other spots include the river bank in downtown Newmarket, just behind the mill buildings; and Henry Law Park in Dover. For those of you without a boat, this is the most productive time of year for striper fishing, before they move seaward. – Becky Heuss, Marine Biologist
><> North Country
No report this week.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE AND SPORT FISH AND RESTORATION: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program. Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire's fisheries. To learn more: http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Verizon To Axe Unlimited Data Once Their New Data Share Plans Go Live
Verizon Wireless has been working on bringing shared data plans to market for months now, but it turns out not everyone may enjoy making that transition.
Verizon CFO Fran Shammo said at an investor conference earlier today that users on those wonderful old grandfathered unlimited data plans will soon have to give them up if they want to move into a 4G device.
“A lot of our 3G base is unlimited,” Shammo remarked. “As they start to migrate onto 4G, they will have to come off of unlimited and go onto the data share plan. That’s beneficial for us for many reasons.”
Though the move doesn’t come as a surprise — they’ve been running promotions to incentivize migration to their LTE network for a while now — but hearing their intentions actually spelled out like that probably won’t please many long-standing Verizon customers. The carrier is aiming to roll out their shared data plans “mid-summer,” though I expect more new details to trickle out soon.
But let’s back up a bit here — how will these things actually work? Though most of the details are still hush-hush, customers will be able to pay a set rate for tiered data plan that can be shared by all the devices on the account. Even though these new data plans are set to make their debut sooner rather than later, there’s still no information available on what they’ll actually cost. Verizon isn’t exactly known for being the most price-conscious wireless carrier (don’t get me started on the rise of $299 smartphones), but we’ll have to wait and see what they’ve come up with.
The concept of shared data plans would is wonderful for families and other multi-line accounts, but it doesn’t do any favors for the individual customers who don’t need more than one device. The status of existing customers who have had their unlimited data plans grandfathered over to their new 4G devices is also unclear — Shammo makes it sound like only customers who upgrade after the change takes place will have to pick a new data plan (for better or worse), and with any luck they’ll leave the lucky souls who have already locked their old data plans alone for now.
source: http://techcrunch.com/2012/05/16/verizon-to-axe-unlimited-data-once-their-new-data-share-plans-go-live/
Verizon CFO Fran Shammo said at an investor conference earlier today that users on those wonderful old grandfathered unlimited data plans will soon have to give them up if they want to move into a 4G device.
“A lot of our 3G base is unlimited,” Shammo remarked. “As they start to migrate onto 4G, they will have to come off of unlimited and go onto the data share plan. That’s beneficial for us for many reasons.”
Though the move doesn’t come as a surprise — they’ve been running promotions to incentivize migration to their LTE network for a while now — but hearing their intentions actually spelled out like that probably won’t please many long-standing Verizon customers. The carrier is aiming to roll out their shared data plans “mid-summer,” though I expect more new details to trickle out soon.
But let’s back up a bit here — how will these things actually work? Though most of the details are still hush-hush, customers will be able to pay a set rate for tiered data plan that can be shared by all the devices on the account. Even though these new data plans are set to make their debut sooner rather than later, there’s still no information available on what they’ll actually cost. Verizon isn’t exactly known for being the most price-conscious wireless carrier (don’t get me started on the rise of $299 smartphones), but we’ll have to wait and see what they’ve come up with.
The concept of shared data plans would is wonderful for families and other multi-line accounts, but it doesn’t do any favors for the individual customers who don’t need more than one device. The status of existing customers who have had their unlimited data plans grandfathered over to their new 4G devices is also unclear — Shammo makes it sound like only customers who upgrade after the change takes place will have to pick a new data plan (for better or worse), and with any luck they’ll leave the lucky souls who have already locked their old data plans alone for now.
source: http://techcrunch.com/2012/05/16/verizon-to-axe-unlimited-data-once-their-new-data-share-plans-go-live/
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Shell Oil drillships are on their way to the Polar Bear Seas in America's Arctic.
One Million Voices for the Arctic
Right now, Shell Oil drillships are on their way to the Polar Bear Seas in America's Arctic. These seas are home to polar bears, walruses, whales, and seals, and a spill there would be disastrous.
We have one last chance to stop this dangerous drilling. More than a million people have expressed their opposition to Shell's drilling plans, and today we're delivering their messages to President Obama -- and flooding the White House with calls.
Add your voice by calling the White House now.
Photo by Steven Kazlowski |
Right now, Shell Oil drillships are on their way to the Polar Bear Seas in America's Arctic. These seas are home to polar bears, walruses, whales, and seals, and a spill there would be disastrous.
We have one last chance to stop this dangerous drilling. More than a million people have expressed their opposition to Shell's drilling plans, and today we're delivering their messages to President Obama -- and flooding the White House with calls.
Add your voice by calling the White House now.
Monday, May 14, 2012
1 turns into 3 Lost Hikers Found Safe In Franconia NH
New Hampshire Fish and Game officials said shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday May 12th, they got a call about a lost hiker near the summit of Little Haystack.
Searchers were able to find the man, and while they were giving him food and water, they came across two other hikers who were also lost. Their large 60lb dog who was along with them, needed to be carried the rest of the way out.
Officials said none of the hikers were prepared.
Fish and Game lieutenant James Kneeland: “It is becoming a huge problem specially this time of year. You are hesitant to leave them over night to fend for themselves. The weather may drop into the 30’s have snow or cold rain.”
Don't let a pleasure trip turn into a nightmare, be prepared! Visit HIKESAFE.COM and learn more on what you should do as part of your adventure planning.
Call ahead, read a guidebook and study maps of the area you'll be hiking to become familiar with trails, roads, rivers, streams, mountains and other features. Use these as reference points as you hike. Once you've determined your route, leave your trip plan with family and friends - then make sure you stick to this plan.
Properly pack a backpack with enough food, water and other necessary provisions for a safe hike. Dress for the occasion and pack spare clothes in the event you get wet due to rivers, streams, or inclement weather that can change rapidly in the Mountains. Get use to using a compass and map and don't depend on your cellphone as signals are weak to non-existent in the Mountainous regions of New Hampshire.
Need supplies and equipment visit:
a. L.L.Bean
b. sportsmansguide.com
Saturday, May 12, 2012
BOSTON RED SOX POSTGAME ALERT May 12, 2012
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Young Cancer Patients catch the Eye and Heart of Kelly Clarkson
Young Cancer Patients' Video a Big Hit
A video featuring cancer-stricken children, their nurses, doctors and parents lip-synching and dancing to the popular Kelly Clarkson song "Stronger" has become an online sensation. Clarkson is calling their rendition "amazing." (May 11)
A video featuring cancer-stricken children, their nurses, doctors and parents lip-synching and dancing to the popular Kelly Clarkson song "Stronger" has become an online sensation. Clarkson is calling their rendition "amazing." (May 11)
Firefighter Rescues Golden Retriever, Returns To Onlooking Owner
Dog Swept Away By Rough Waters Of Merrimack River - New Hampshire News
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A man and his dog were reunited Friday night after Sam the golden retriever jumped in for a swim in the Merrimack River and was swept away.
While Sam struggled, his owner, Steve Soba, said he worried and onlookers called for the dog to stay afloat.
Soba said he took his dog off the leash for a moment at Arms Park, and Sam ran down some steps and got swept away by the strong, cold current.
People watched helplessly from above the river as the 6-year-old golden retriever could only tread water. He had no way out because of the steep walls that surround the park.
Link to full news coverage: http://ow.ly/aROrp
Some people leaned over the railing to shout words of encouragement, and Soba, of Hooksett, guided Sam from above. Manchester firefighters arrived to help, trying to lead Sam to a small patch of land. Sam followed the voices of Soba and other rescuers, doggy paddling down river.
Firefighter Joel Monroe rappelled down the wall and dove in to get the dog. A rescue boat arrived to carry Sam back to shore and return him to the arms of his owner.
(Sam) was excited. He started barking," Monroe said. "He was glad to be back on land. So, yeah, it went well." .......
Read more: http://www.wmur.com/news/31051889/detail.html#ixzz1uf9tptwg
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A man and his dog were reunited Friday night after Sam the golden retriever jumped in for a swim in the Merrimack River and was swept away.
While Sam struggled, his owner, Steve Soba, said he worried and onlookers called for the dog to stay afloat.
Soba said he took his dog off the leash for a moment at Arms Park, and Sam ran down some steps and got swept away by the strong, cold current.
People watched helplessly from above the river as the 6-year-old golden retriever could only tread water. He had no way out because of the steep walls that surround the park.
Link to full news coverage: http://ow.ly/aROrp
Some people leaned over the railing to shout words of encouragement, and Soba, of Hooksett, guided Sam from above. Manchester firefighters arrived to help, trying to lead Sam to a small patch of land. Sam followed the voices of Soba and other rescuers, doggy paddling down river.
Firefighter Joel Monroe rappelled down the wall and dove in to get the dog. A rescue boat arrived to carry Sam back to shore and return him to the arms of his owner.
(Sam) was excited. He started barking," Monroe said. "He was glad to be back on land. So, yeah, it went well." .......
Read more: http://www.wmur.com/news/31051889/detail.html#ixzz1uf9tptwg
Friday, May 11, 2012
HABITAT WORK UNDERWAY TO CONSERVE RARE NEW ENGLAND COTTONTAILS
CONCORD, N.H. -- For the New England cottontail, mild winter conditions were a stroke of luck – a lack of snow made it easier for them to hide and find food. For the biologists who are surveying cottontails, the same conditions made it maddeningly difficult to find evidence of their presence. The challenges have not slowed the efforts of biologists from New Hampshire Fish and Game's Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, along with partners across the Northeast, to ensure the survival of this state-endangered native rabbit.
Over the past few years, Fish and Game has worked with University of New Hampshire researchers, who developed protocols for detecting New England cottontails and creating population estimates from survey results. Fish and Game staff helped collect data and are continuing to look for any rabbits that may not have been identified during the previous years' work and to confirm the persistence of individual rabbits at the occupied patches.
To find out how many New England cottontails are left and just where they are found, biologists usually look for evidence of the rabbits' presence in the snow. Needless to say, last winter there wasn't much snow in which to track rabbits in New Hampshire!
Monitoring for New England cottontails provides information about the location of remaining individuals, but the road to recovery for the species lies in the management efforts that are being done to increase the amount of available habitat on the landscape and number of rabbits that occupy these patches.
Many habitat management tools are used to create the “thickets” that New England cottontails need for survival -- the same type of brambly patch that saved Br'er Rabbit many a time. Timber harvesting, invasive species removal, and planting of native shrubs and forbs for cover and food are three techniques that Fish and Game has been using to turn historic cottontail habitat to its shrubby, scrubby ideal. These management actions are based on a scientific species recovery plan that will benefit New England cottontails as well as dozens of other species, such as chestnut-sided warbler, smooth green snake and American woodcock, which require healthy young forests and shrublands. To date, more than 300 acres of new habitat have been created on both public and private lands since 2009. An additional 1,700 acres is needed to meet the goal for available habitat in New Hampshire by 2030.
After we build it, New England cottontails will come; we need to be patient, however, because it may take up to 5 years of growth for the new thicket to be suitable for rabbits to live in.In the meantime, working with partners at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, biologists have established a pilot program for captive-breeding the cottontails. The goal is to breed New England cottontails in a controlled setting, using best practices to ensure genetic diversity and health in the animals, and then release the rabbits into the wild. This pilot program may be expanded to include other facilities across the Northeast – to augment declining populations across the region and reintroduce rabbits to their historic range.
While the warm, dry winter made things difficult for biologists, the weather was quite advantageous for the cottontails.The lack of snow provided better concealment for the rabbits, whose fur remains brown in the winter. It also improved conditions for the rabbits to forage on twigs, bark and buds of woody shrubs that can be difficult to access in soft, deep snow. In addition, the early spring brought green-up during the first part of the breeding season, providing high-quality nutrition for new litters of the year.
New Hampshire Fish and Game is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Natural Resource Conservation Service and other conservation partners across six states in the Northeast to recover the New England cottontail. Once common in our state, the population of this rabbit has dwindled over the last 50 years, so that today this unique native mammal faces possible extinction. Learn more at http://newenglandcottontail.org.
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